I really enjoyed volunteering at Memphis Botanic Gardens. Throughout this experience I was able to gain and improve many skills by learning how to do different tasks, and engaging with other volunteers and people in the gardens. I learned that this community strives on recycling and using things for different uses. In the station I was at, we made bracelets out of pieces of paper and pipe cleaners. I was able to work as a team with three other girls at this table. We had a great time getting to know each other and the environment around us better. Our service contributed to this organization's mission by using recycled things and using it for a fun craft for kids, to help show them that stuff can be reused in many ways and can help our environment. The only unexpected challenge we faced was when it rained the first hour or so into our service. However we were able to stay inside to help prepare for other activities in the gardens.
I learned a lot more about the history of the Memphis Botanical Garden and what is put into the park during this service event. These skills helped me have a deeper connection with my city and take deeper pride in it. I worked as a team which made this event so much more enjoyable. The organizer of our event was super helpful and checked on us multiple times. It made me feel much more confident in my service. The only challenge was that it began to get a little rainy but the sun ended up coming out and the volunteer organizer already had a plan in case of showers which was super helpful!
I had a great time with Troll exploration and helping make crafts with kids!